While the sun shines bright, summer takes a backseat as students continue to learn, never skipping a beat! 

This summer, students have been hard at work participating in a variety of courses and activities to continue mastering their skills and enrich their minds. 

At Camp Connect, pre-K through eighth-grade students engaged in fun learning opportunities. At Bunker Hill Elementary, Jennifer Teel taught students reading strategies to get them ready for first grade. 

“This is a very critical time for these students, as they are building their foundation for educational success,” said Teel. “Literacy is a key district priority and classes like this allow them to expand their minds and get ready for the upcoming school year.” 

At Spring Oaks Middle, students showcased their creativity through photography, dance and more. 

Leslie, a rising ninth-grade student attending Northbrook High, was excited to take a photography class and learn about the rule of thirds. 

“We walked around the campus and took pictures based on all we have learned in the class!” said Leslie. “I now see things differently, I’m excited to continue practicing these skills.” 

Students had the opportunity to explore their interests. Deana Ratnala, camp coordinator at Spring Oaks Middle, noted how important it was for students to explore distinct areas. 

“I’m happy to say that students do not see this as ‘summer school’ but as a fun way to discover new things,” said Ratnala. “Through these courses, they can build relationships with teachers outside of the traditional classroom, explore teaching styles and pursue new hobbies.” 

Cedar Brook Elementary students selected their own schedule and chose from a variety of classes including math hoops, crafting creations, bringing books to life, coding with science and more. 

“We noticed that a lot of our students do not have the opportunity to go to museums, the zoo and other educational hands-on experiences,” said Debbie Agudelo-Garza, summer program coordinator. “So we brought these experiences to them! This summer camp allows us to provide those students with fun activities, while also promoting their learning.” 

In each class, they learn about a different subject but the teacher incorporates elements to engage students and help them understand the content better. 

In bringing books to life, students read The Three Little Pigs and The Big Bad Wolf and performed their version of the book. Students had to memorize their lines, create props and costumes and practice for the performance. 

This is the second year the summer classes have taken place and Agudelo-Garza notes that many parents inquired about the program, as their students had greatly enjoyed it the summer before. 

“I have had many parents tell me that their students are excited to come to school during the summer, which has never happened before,” added Agudelo-Garza. “I’m happy they are learning but also enjoying their time in the process.”

But the learning doesn’t stop there. Camp Welcome taught fourth through ninth-grade students to develop their English language skills for personal, social and academic purposes. 

During the camp, Dr. Jose Luis Zelaya, a education consultant professional, led a workshop with a group of students with limited English proficiency. Dr. Zelaya migrated from Honduras to the United States and became a first-generation college student. He now holds a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction and a doctorate in urban education from Texas A&M University. 

Attendees were excited to listen to Dr. Zelaya and engage in conversations. They even played a soccer match, where one of the students won a soccer ball.

“It is important to empower these students, they are our future!” said Dr. Zelaya. “Through the time I have with them, I hope to help them recognize the power they have by being bilingual. I also hope to teach them the benefits of graduating high school and pursuing higher education. Above all, I hope to teach them to stay true to themselves.”